ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The lead designer for the Interstate 26 Connector project plans to begin geotechnical drilling operations in the French Broad River next week.

This preliminary work in the river is required to complete the bridge design. The drilling operations will determine the condition and elevation of the rock around the proposed bridge foundations so the design work for the structure can progress, a news release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation said. The team will drill a hole about 6-8 inches in diameter extending about 50 feet below the stream bed.

Next week, two mobile drill platforms will be placed in the French Broad River between the Bowen Bridges and Pearson Road Bridge, seen here, for work related to the Interstate 26 Connector project.

Crews from RK&K/S&ME will place two mobile drill platforms in the French Broad River between the Bowen Bridges and Pearson Road Bridge beginning Monday, Sept. 30, according to the release. Each 9-foot-wide platform will remain in the water for about three months and be equipped with safety equipment to alert river users.

The drill platforms will be in the river during the day and then moved, whenever possible, to the riverbank during the night, the NCDOT said in the release. When parked on the riverbank, rigs will be secured to heavy equipment with cables. All equipment left in the water overnight or along the riverbank will be equipped with marine safety lights.

Next week, two mobile drill platforms will be placed in the French Broad River between the Bowen Bridges and Pearson Road Bridge for work related to the Interstate 26 Connector project.

Posters and warning signs will be placed at known access points around the river alerting river users of the work. There will also be buoys and lights in the water alerting boaters.

The NCDOT will work closely with RK&K to alert the public and river users of any unexpected changes, delays or environmental impacts once the work begins.